Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid produced in the adrenal glands. It is converted in the body to testosterone and estrogen and acts similarly to testosterone.

DHEA was discovered in 1934 and sold until the end of 1980 as a food supplement for dietary support. From 1980 to 1994, DHEA was a prescription drug in the US, in 1994 the prescription requirement was reversed and since then, it has been freely sold as a food supplement. In Germany, DHEA is not permitted (as of 2008).

Some food supplements manufacturers praise dehydroepiandrosterone, among others, as life-prolonging. This is justified by the fact that the energy consumption of the cells is reduced, which should lead to an increased service life. Although there are several scientific studies that should prove this, the credibility of all these studies can not be comprehended on closer inspection. Furthermore, all of the promised positive properties of DHEA have not yet been scientifically proven in Germany. The use of DHEA as an anti-aging drug is therefore, according to today’s state of science, to be classified as unnecessary.

DHEA and DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) are body-borne hormones whose function has not yet been fully explored. The body-specific production of DHEA is not constant. In infants, the adrenal cortex produces very little DHEA. From about the 7th year onwards production begins to rise and reaches its peak in the middle of the 20th century. From this point onwards, the DHEA level drops continuously.

The normal DHEA level of a healthy adult male is between 750-1,250 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg / dL), in women the normal value is between 550-980 mg / dL.

A study of the California University of 1994 accompanied 30 men and middle-aged women over a period of 3 months. During this time, a dose of 50 mg DHEA was administered daily to the subjects. The subjects reported a general increased well-being, more energy and exercise power, increased libido, and an improved ability to cope with stress. The results of the study went through the press and since then, DHEA has remained the myth of the miracle and fountain. However, the results of this study are to be treated with caution.

In spite of hundreds of studies over the past 30 years, the precise mode of operation is still unclear. It is true that the DHEA decreases with age, but it is not known whether this is an age deficiency, or whether the body simply needs less DHEA.

The main reason why so little is known about DHEA is that it is not patentable. For pharmaceutical companies it makes little sense to invest in the research. Most of the research comes from universities.

Side effects:

Application / Dosage:

There are many different dosage recommendations. Starting from 50-100 mg daily, up to 1600 mg per day for men and 5 – 50 mg for women. What dosage is effective must be determined individually and has several factors such as age and individual body composition. An exact dosage can only be done after the creation of an individual hormonal status and evaluation of a specialist physician. The intake should take place at least 30 minutes before the breakfast with lots of liquid.

The dosage information given here is not intended as a dosage recommendation or medical advice. These are statements by bodybuilders who have used or used these active ingredients. The dosages should never be regarded as generally valid. If you are using the idea of using steroids or similar, ask a doctor or pharmacist.